Captured Event

June, 29 2007 - Bald is Beautiful at the Andre Center Benefit

What: Andre Center for Breast Cancer Education and Navigation

Where: Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, 16th & Curtis

When: June 29, 2007

Time: 5:45 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Donations

Beneficiary: Andre Center for Breast Cancer Education and Navigation

Host(s): Rock Bottom Foundation

Mistress of Ceremonies: Sandra Walters, Executive Director

Master of Ceremonies: Rodney Lawson, Rock Bottom Foundation

Founders: Sandra Walters, RN

Sponsors: Rock Bottom Foundation, Courtyard by Marriott, Denver Vein Center, Figaro’s Salon, Flying Dog Brewery, Great Lakes Airlines, Hotel Monaco, Lannie’s Clocktower Caberet, Metropolitan Dental Care, Michael Wais, Panzano’s, Para Medical Aesthetician, Rialto Café, Rock Bottom Brewery Downtown

Quote of the evening: "Sometimes you have to do things in life afraid - do it anyway"

Attendance: 250

Attire: casual

Special Thanks: Vernon and Janell, Contage Hair Stylists

Board of Directors: Sandra Walters - Executive Director, Sandee Scheeler, Audrey Friedman, Linda Davis, Meaghan Walsh - Chair

Blacktie Photos by: Billie Rommes

The Andre Center benefit shows just how beautiful bald is. Sandra Walters, Andre Center, Marissa Yandall and Rodney Lawson of the Rock Bottom Foundation.
View all photos

Education + Navigation + Compassion = Peace of Mind. This is the vision of the Andre Center for Breast Cancer Education and Navigation and the mission that was shared at Andre's annual fundraising event Friday, June 29.

The theme this year was "Bald is Beautiful." Just what is "Bald is Beautiful?" It’s a gathering of beautiful heads, willing to have it all shaved to raise awareness and support breast cancer patients. Over 25 people participated in the actual shaving, while many other guests came to cheer them on and show support for this worthwhile cause. Friends and supporters gathered together at the Rock Bottom Brewery on the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver to watch and participate in the Andre Center Bald is Beautiful event.

This is the third year the Rock Bottom Foundation has hosted this type of an event and the second year that it was held to benefit the Andre Center. The evening began on the outside patio of the Rock Bottom Brewery, with a cocktail hour for friends to meet and talk and enjoy some music. There were also many silent auction items available for guests to peruse through and bid on.

The event then geared up as Rodney Lawson of the Rock Bottom Foundation stepped on stage to welcome and thank everyone for attending and to talk a little about Bald is Beautiful and how it came about. He then welcomed onto the stage Sandra Walters, RN,  the founder and Executive Director of the Andre Center. Sandra talked about the Andre Center and its mission to help and guide breast cancer patients in need of assistance as they make their way through the process. The first to aid the cause by losing her locks was Sandra Walters. She sat in the chair as the crowd, consisting of friends, family and well wishers cheered her on. The song “Always” by Martina McBride played as she was shaved. Not that the song made it any easier, but the lyrics reflected her thoughts “sometimes you have to do things in life afraid, but do it anyway.”

Following Sandra were a number of supporters who also bravely went from “hair” to “nair” by getting shaved for the cause. The amount of hair on the floor soon grew and exemplified the number of willing participants who joined the ranks of the “Bald is Beautiful” crowd. A large number of guests and members of the crowd were inspired to leave something other then hair by making cash donations to the cause. All in all, the contributions made by these wonderful participants truly showed that “Bald is Beautiful.” It was inspiring to see those willing to give up their hair (and give from their heart) for those who have no choice in loosing their hair as they fight the battle against breast cancer.

The Mission at the Andre Center is to guide and support breast cancer patients through the complex health care system and assist them in making informed healthcare decisions by providing objective and credible educational resources regarding treatment choices. To learn more or to make a donation, please visit the website at www.andrecenter.org.